Oils for hair and skin are sky-rocketing in popularity and certainly making a name for themselves in spas. I've adopted an evening ritual of applying a cocktail of oils to my hair and have all but forgotten the words "split ends." I'm not as eager to jump on the latest oil boom in oral hygiene, which has roots in ancient health remedies and Ayurveda. Oil pulling is a technique used to cleanse the teeth and mouth by swishing a spoonful of coconut oil around for up to 20 minutes. The many potential benefits seem to outweigh any gag reflex, though. Oil pulling has a soaplike effect in the mouth, which rebalances it so the body can go to work on other ailments. According to Jessica Emery, D.M.D., owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft (Chicago), oil pulling can fill cavities, relieve toothaches, whiten teeth, freshen breath, absorb harmful bacteria, and even cure the common cold.
What do you think of this health remedy making a comeback and would you try it?